Clinical nurse educators’ role in supporting new nurses: qualitative insights into practice adaptation training in a tertiary hospital in South Korea

Abstract

Background: The transition from student to professional nurse is fraught with challenges, often resulting in reality shock, which can significantly impact new nurses’ ability to adapt to clinical practice. Practical adaptation training programs are critical in mitigating these challenges by providing structured support during this transitional period. This study investigates the transitional experiences of novice nurses participating in a practical adaptation training program at a tertiary general hospital in South Korea, with the objective of generating foundational data to guide the development of more targeted and effective educational interventions. Methods: This study utilized a qualitative research design to explore the experiences of 27 newly employed nurses who participated in a practical adaptation training program, led by clinical nurse educators, between April and August 2023. Participants were divided into four focus groups, and thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12 software to facilitate coding and the development of themes. Results: Data analysis revealed four primary themes and ten sub-themes related to the experiences and needs of the new nurses within the training program. These themes were: “gradually growing for a better me,” “becoming a channel of communication,” “aiding in enhancing work performance ability,” and “educational needs for better operation of the practical adaptation training program.” Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical role of practical adaptation training programs in facilitating the successful transition of new nurses into their professional roles. The themes highlight the personal and professional development enabled by the program, the essential function of communication channels, and the program’s impact on improving work performance. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing assessment and improvement of such training programs to ensure their ongoing effectiveness and relevance. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.